Questions with: Michael Arundel

Michael and his Mustang always attract attention – it’s a great looking car, the v8 exhaust note sounds amazing and Michael always gives it plenty! Let’s hear about his plans for COT 2016…

What car will you be running in the 2016 COT? What is special; what is its history; where is it at?
It’s a 1969 Ford Mustang. I bought it from Ken Harper for the Red Centre to Gold Coast in 2008 and I have used in three Classic Outback Trials, a BP Rallye and the 2013 Alpine Rally. They are all small fry though when compared to the approximately 100,000 km of rallying that Ken did in it. It’s a truly well-traveled Mustang. And it’s sitting in the garage ready to go.

Michael with Simon Healey in COT 2010

Who will be in your team? Who is your co-driver, team manager or service crew? What’s your history as a team?
As soon as I know you’ll be the first to know. Any volunteers?

If you’ve competed in the COT before, what do you like about the event – what has bought you back?
The adventure, getting out of town and into the dirt, the comradery and catching up with old friends. The amount of competitive kilometres is unmatched in any other rally.

COT 2012, with Rodney Blank in the hot seat.

What are your expecting from the 2016 COT; what are you looking forward to?
All of the above plus the excitement of a new venue in Alice Springs. Coming back to the same overnight stop each night, with everyone staying in the same hotel, should add a good social scene to the event as well – you need a few cold beers to get rid of the dust and to tell a few stories.

Have you been to Alice Springs before? What are you expecting or looking forward to seeing?
Only for the Red Centre to Gold Coast rally, which was just the first day. I’m hoping for some fast flowing roads and some good luck.

The Red Centre to Gold Coast – outside an iconic Australian pub!

Are you planning a bit of a Red Centre holiday as part of your rally? Will your partner, family or friends be joining you?
After a week of rallying I’ll look forward to work to relax.

Who are your sponsors or supporters?Arundel Constructions, Vanderlay Industries, VB, Shell & any other sticker I print off eBay.

What is/was your favourite rally car?
I also have a Mk 1 Cortina for bitumen rallies. Both are very different cars but both are a lot of fun to drive.

COT 2009

What is your most memorable rallying moment?
Any rally with a gate, and you watch your navigator swing it open the wrong way and nearly do himself a nasty injury, while you laugh out loud under your helmet.

What will you be doing to get ready for the 2016 COT?
The State Bank Re-run in a few weeks, then the Alpine later in this year. Then I’ll need to fix everything that breaks to be ready to rumble for COT 2016.

Where are you, and what are you doing as you answer these questions?
At my desk in the office, looking at a lot of work, but this looked the most important.

Thanks Michael… Because we did this interview with Michael a little while ago we can report that he and Michael Verge had a good run in the State Bank Discovery Trial Re-run, coming home in 9th place. So, the pre-COT preparations are off to a good start. Hope you have a good run in the Alpine!